Posterior-only 2-level vertebrectomy and fusion in a medically complex patient with lumbar metastasis: illustrative case

Ryan Johnson, Annabelle Shaffer, Ashley Tang, Kathryn Tsai, Gina Guglielmi, Paul M. Arnold

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND Spinal metastases are commonly seen in patients with cancer and often indicate a poor prognosis. Treatment can include curative or palliative surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The surgical approach varies widely on the basis of the affected region of the spine, the location of the tumor (anterior versus posterior), the goal of surgery, the health of the patient, and surgeon preference. OBSERVATIONS The authors present a case of a 68-year-old male with intractable lower-back pain and substantially diminished ambulation. Diagnostic imaging revealed a lumbar metastasis from a cholangiocarcinoma primary at L2–3 (4.5 cm anteroposterior ×5.7 cm transverse × 7.0 cm craniocaudal). The patient underwent a 2-level vertebrectomy with expandable cage placement and T10 to S2 fusion via a posterior-only approach. The patient regained much of his mobility and quality of life after the surgery. LESSONS Although this was a high-risk surgery, the authors show that a posterior-only approach can be used for lumbar vertebrectomies and fusion when necessary. Palliative surgeries carrying a high risk, especially in the setting of a limited prognosis, should include multidisciplinary deliberations and a thorough discussion of the risks and outcome expectations with the patient.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberCASE23646
JournalJournal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons
Volume7
Issue number14
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • lumbar spine
  • metastasis
  • posterior approach
  • vertebrectomy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Surgery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Posterior-only 2-level vertebrectomy and fusion in a medically complex patient with lumbar metastasis: illustrative case'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this